Ages 8 to 14 years. Inspired by Cortes' discovery in the early 1500s of gold in Mexico, Francisco Pizarro was inspired like many to seek his fortune through expedition. This interesting new book describes the life and travels of Pizarro as a soldier for Spain and of his eventual conquest of Peru. Sensitively written text describes his attack on the Inca capital and his defeat of the last great Inca emperor, Atahuallpa. Features include: maps outlining Pizarro's routes; pirates, such as Francis Drake, during the Age of Exploration; the Inca culture before and after Pizarro's conquest; early navigational and steering equipment; the war between Pizarro and Diego de Almagro; Spain's economic and social state after the conquest of Peru; the Spanish Inquisition's effect on exploration; life at sea, including unpredictable weather, sickness, and superstitions.